Women's Gymnastics

McCARTNEY WINS ALL-AROUND IN INJURY-RIDDLED GYMNASTICS OPENER

Jan 04, 2013

SAN JOSE, Calif. — Sophomore Kalliah McCartney won the all-around but injuries to two key members hindered the excitement of the Sacramento State gymnastics team in its season-opening meet on Friday night.

Third-ranked Stanford ran away from the field with a team score of 195.425. Host San Jose State placed second at 192.875, UC Davis was third (191.400) while the Hornets scored 191.100.

Sacramento State suffered a blow prior to the meet when defending Western Athletic Conference floor and beam champion Kailey Hansen had to be scratched from the lineup due to a knee injury. The second setback came on floor where senior Cayla Boyce was unable to finish because of an ankle injury.

McCartney totaled 38.825 in the all-around for her third career victory. The sophomore tied for fifth on vault with a 9.800, was fifth on bars (9.675), tied for fourth on beam (9.775) and tied for 18th on floor (9.575). She led the team in the first three events while junior Kaila Kilwein scored 9.725 for the Hornets' high mark on floor.

Sacramento State began the meet on bars and scored 47.925 without a fall. Along with McCartney, senior Nicole Meiller tied for sixth with a 9.650 and Beutler tied for ninth at 9.625.

Four falls on beam left the Hornets with a 46.875. The first four gymnasts up on the event each had one fall before Beutler was able to stop the streak with a 9.725 to place 10th. McCartney continued the momentum to end the rotation.

A fall started Sacramento State's turn on floor but freshman Cassie Benning followed with a 9.700. That score was matched by Dallas Smith before Kilwein posted the team high. After the injury to Beutler, McCartney scored 9.575 despite taking a neutral deduction for stepping out.

The highlight for the team came on vault during the final rotation where the team tallied 48.700. Katie Osaki opened with a 9.675 before Kilwein scored 9.725. The final three members of the lineup were comprised of a 9.750 from Benning and Meiller and a 9.800 by McCartney.

"I was really happy with the way we performed on vault," Sacramento State head coach Kim Hughes said. "That was a great score this early in the season."

Stanford dominated the award stand, sweeping the top three spots on vault and beam. The Cardinal's Ashley Morgan and UC Davis' Michelle Ho tied for the top spot on bars with 9.800s. San Jose State's Julia Greer captured the top spot on floor after scoring 9.825.

Sacramento State will host Seattle Pacific on Friday, Jan. 11, in the home opener. Prior to the meet, the Danish National Performance Team will have an exhibition.